20 Ways to Enjoy Your Backyard Beyond the Pool

It’s easy to think the pool is the star of the backyard and it usually is but there’s so much more you can do outside. Whether you’re drying off or skipping the swim altogether, here are some low-key ways to enjoy the space around your pool.

Set up a fire pit and roast marshmallows. Hang string lights and host an outdoor movie night. Try container gardening or build a little herb box near your grill. Add a hammock for afternoon naps. Install a dartboard, set up a cornhole game, or build a tiny putting green if you’ve got the space.

Even simple things like having breakfast on the patio or reading a book in a shady spot can make your backyard feel like a mini escape. The pool is great, but sometimes it’s the smaller stuff around it that makes outdoor time even better.

 

[Ella Robinson]

Totally agree! The pool is awesome, but it’s all the little extras that really make the backyard feel special. We added a hammock and some string lights last summer, and now it’s our favorite spot to relax in the evenings. We also started doing weekend breakfasts outside, it’s such a nice way to start the day. Thinking about adding a small garden next!

 

[Ava Wilson]

It’s easy to think the pool is the star of the backyard and it usually is but there’s so much more you can do outside. Whether you’re drying off or skipping the swim altogether, here are some low-key ways to enjoy the space around your pool.

Set up a fire pit and roast marshmallows. Hang string lights and host an outdoor movie night. Try container gardening or build a little herb box near your grill. Add a hammock for afternoon naps. Install a dartboard, set up a cornhole game, or build a tiny putting green if you’ve got the space.

Even simple things like having breakfast on the patio or reading a book in a shady spot can make your backyard feel like a mini escape. The pool is great, but sometimes it’s the smaller stuff around it that makes outdoor time even better.

Love these ideas! We added a fire pit and a couple of outdoor bean bags, and it totally changed how we use the space. It’s become our go-to hangout spot even when we’re not swimming. Thinking about setting up an outdoor movie night next—anyone have tips for a simple setup?

 

[Katherine Morgan]

One of the things we’ve enjoyed most is setting up a little outdoor dining area. Nothing fancy, just a sturdy table with an umbrella, but it’s made meals outside so much easier.

We’ve turned a few weeknights into “mini getaways” by cooking something simple, lighting a few candles, and just eating under the stars. It doesn’t cost much, but it makes the backyard feel like an actual retreat instead of just a pool area.

 

[Mason Blake]

We started doing outdoor board game nights on the patio, and it’s been a hit. A big table, a few lanterns, and games that are easy to play outside (like giant Jenga or cards) make it simple but fun. It keeps everyone entertained without having to get in the pool, and it works for both kids and adults. Plus, no cleanup mess inside the house!

 

[Ethan Wells]

Totally! We’ve started using our backyard for more than just swimming too. Adding a few cozy spots, like a hammock, a small fire pit, and some string lights, makes it feel like a little escape. Even just having breakfast outside or doing board games in the evenings has made the space way more inviting. Honestly, it’s the little touches that make you actually want to spend time out there, pool or no pool.

 

[David Wilson]

Love this thread, it’s so true that the backyard can be more than just pool time. We set up a little outdoor bar cart and a Bluetooth speaker area this summer, and it’s been great for casual evenings with friends. Also added some solar lanterns around the garden, which gives it a cozy glow at night without much effort.

Next on my list is trying a backyard pizza oven setup, seems like the perfect combo for pool days and late dinners outside.

 

[Grace Hall]

I set a small table on the patio and turn on string lights; we do breakfast outside every weekend. You bring the coffee, I’ll make pancakes simple, feels like a staycation.

 

[Brandon Hayes]

One thing that surprised me was adding a simple outdoor whiteboard near the patio. Sounds random, but it turned into our “backyard board.” We’ll write the dinner plan, keep score for cornhole, or let the kids draw while we’re hanging out. It sounds small, but it made the space feel interactive instead of just decorative.

Another low effort win was a basic misting fan for the seating area. On really hot days when the water temp creeps up and the air feels heavy, that little bit of airflow makes it comfortable to sit outside longer without having to jump back in. It also helps dry things out so you’re not dealing with damp cushions all evening.

And if you’ve got the room, a small storage bench is underrated. Towels, board games, citronella candles, all in one place so you’re not running inside constantly. The easier it is to stay outside, the more you actually use the yard for stuff beyond swimming. Funny how convenience ends up being the real upgrade.